Tottenham Hotspur's new stadium must remain in North London says London Mayor Boris Johnson

London Mayor Boris Johnson has urged Tottenham to pursue plans to build a new
stadium in their traditional home in the north of the city.

New home? Spurs have challenged West Ham's right to occupy the Olympic Stadium once the Games are overPhoto: GETTY IMAGES

By Telegraph staff and agencies

3:40PM BST 28 Sep 2011

Tottenham, who had also bid for the right to move into the Olympic Stadium in east London after the Games next year, have been given planning permission to build a new stadium at Northumberland Park within the borough of Haringey, close to their current ground at White Hart Lane.

The Greater London Authority (GLA) and Haringey Council have put forward a joint offer of £17million to help with infrastructure improvements as part of the overall regeneration of the site and Johnson has now urged Spurs to proceed with the project.

He said: ''Tottenham Hotspur has long been an integral part of the community and by staying true to its roots the club now has the power to revolutionise an area of the capital that has been neglected for far too long.

''Last month's riots were a telling reminder of just how important it is for Spurs to press ahead with the development at Northumberland Park and to help kick-start a much wider regeneration project that would create jobs and give Tottenham the economic boost it deserves.

''The club knows there is no more money available from the public purse and I sincerely hope that they accept the offer we have made.

''It is not just in the best interests of Tottenham Hotspur and the fans of this great London club, but of the wider north London community.''

Haringey Council Leader Claire Kober said: ''It is critically important that Spurs commit to Tottenham to help drive forward regeneration in this very deprived area.

''We realise that there are viability difficulties and have worked with the GLA to pull together an in principle offer of assistance, which is of course subject to planning approval. We believe this offer would help to bring the scheme forward.

''We've always said we want very much for Spurs to stay where they are revered and we feel belong. That means we remain willing to discuss matters with Spurs.''